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US 12,122,093 B2Granted
Systems and processes for reinforcing components of articles of wear
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsSteven Edmund Jan Cornelis Ploem, Thi Tran
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Abstract
Systems and processes for reinforcing components of articles of wear are disclosed. The processes can include applying a thermoplastic powder to a component of an article of wear and levelling at least a portion of the thermoplastic powder. The processes can also include applying thermal energy to the component and the thermoplastic powder. Further, the processes can include compressing the thermoplastic powder and the component.
Claims20
A system for reinforcing a footwear component, the system comprising:
- a vision system capable of identifying the footwear component, determines its orientation, and provides a pattern of application for a thermoplastic powder on the footwear component, wherein the vision system is configured to determine one or more of a type, a size, a shape, or a position of the footwear component;
- a powder applicator capable of applying the thermoplastic powder to the footwear component based on the pattern of application;
- a leveler capable of leveling at least a portion of the thermoplastic powder, wherein the leveler includes a flat bar and is positioned a defined height above the footwear component;
- and
- a thermal energy source capable of applying thermal energy to the footwear component to at least partially bond the thermoplastic powder with the footwear component.
2 more elements
A system of reinforcing a footwear component, the system comprising:
- a powder applicator capable of applying a thermoplastic powder to the footwear component;
- a leveler capable of leveling at least a portion of the thermoplastic powder, wherein the leveler is positioned a defined height above the footwear component;
- a thermal energy source capable of applying thermal energy to the footwear component to at least partially bond the thermoplastic powder with the footwear component;
- a press capable of compressing the thermoplastic powder and the footwear component allowing for a bonding of the thermoplastic powder to the footwear component.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.